The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1887-09-22
ALL FOR QUEEN ISABEL,
BY EVA KATHERINE CLAPp.

affair OF that kind in which was ono
u the minor actors myself. It was in
he south OF Ireland and in the brave
Did days when a mans honor, not his
money, was the standard OF his social
rank: Men defended themselves then
oy the sword instead OF the lawsuit.
No doubt I am behind the times, but
lgreatly prefer the old method nv,
,eIt
This duel, however, was not 90
much an affair OF honor strictly
speaking, a case Of love and jealousy.
Tragical enough it proved to be; too.
1--WE were staying for q few Of tho
autumn weeks ut LOTUS hail. It was
delightful old place, rich in historic
associations, and had been in the
Ely family from time imme-
mortal. The house was a low-roofed.
quaint. and roomy structure, not so
much lofty or imposing as pictur-
ssque and interesting, with it's numer
ous wings. its queer gables, and dormer
mer windows peeping out in odd and
unlooked-for ways.
'"The Elys were one Of those English
families who, having crossed over and
settled in Ireland at an early date,
soon became more Irish than the
Irish themselves. Isabel, the only
daughter OF the family we were visiting,
was certainly one of the most beauti:
Jul girls that it has ever been my bless
ing and privilege 20 see (for hold it
to be a gracious privilege and Joy to
look upon really beautiful woman);
and even in q country famous for the
W.T. and beauty OF its women, Isabel
deserved the name she had won of
Fair Queen Bale" Yet, alas. she was
a born coquette: not a heartless girl,
but full of life, spirited, and imper-
'ous in charming little ways; never
co!diy cruel, yet too much inclined to
exercise her power over mems hearts
rom sheer exultation in the magic of
ner womanly beauty and charm.
Yet no student OF physiognomy could
ook ut her expressive, sensitive, in
tense face without feeling sure that
when her true prince should appear
the girl would love with all the fervor
and strength OF her strong, proud
nature. The reader of character
would also feel sure that the man who
would win her would he no carpet
Snl.ht or utterer OF pretty batteries,
:ather one who should compel and
command her allegiance by force OF
will and character.
ITO describe her features is a task
like not, since after all is told, her
winning, arch, sweet presence was the
bloom and perfume OF her charm, but
to those who care to know I will saw
that Queen Belle had features not
regular, but harmonious and delicate;
aer nose was the genuinec oquette's
nose. slightly retrousse, or 'tip.tilted,'
as the poet expresses it. Her dark,
deep, gray eyes we're overshadowed
by the longest, blacklist lashes, and l
verify believe, that ever fringed such
orbs of changeful light; and they gave
amost poetic charm to a face other
wise, perhaps, trifle too proud, too
nuch inclined to remain calmy indif-
erent in expression. Her complexion,
neither blonde nor brunette,
VAS pale, very clear, while just faint
5pansh-like tint of brown gave it q
southern warmth which was very
beautiful and uncommon. Altogether
awoman Of the most charming type,
one whose grace and beauty were
sooner felt by the heart than compre.
lended or analysed by the intellect.
Who can put in cold set terms the
Sistful beauty of a perfect April day?
Capt. Devine. one of the guests
present with myself, and himself as
flashing, handsome a young fellow as
ever knew, talked of her constantly.
noticed that his most intimate
riend, Harold Charters, always
istenel quietly to Devine's rawlings
OYER Miss Ely's beauty and mental
nnces. The young men wers close
friends, cousins, and had been true
comrades ever since childhood, when
they had both been punished together
or many a boyish escapade. up to
The time when, as soldiers. they had
shared together the hardships, dan
!ers and glory OF their first campaign,
and had drunk from the same canteen
and slept under the same blanket.
Capt. Devine was the younger of
The two by several years, and his san.
,ulne, joyous temperament made him
seem much younger than his rather
reserved and quiet friend. Devine had
The reputation OF being a great favor
te with women, and even the fastid.
ous Miss Ely had seemed to accept
MS attentions \during the short time
he had been at the halD, with the air
of one who enjoyed the young fellows
bright and witty talk, to say theleast.
"Ru'nor h d it that Isabel and
Harold Charters had once, not long
before, been true lovers, yet that, for
some unknown reason, possibly
!sabe's caprice, not openly acknowl.
legged as much. Be that as it may,
aad upon several occasions noticed g.
ook upon Bellies countenance that
wassalmost pathetic in it's appealing
expression as she looked at Harold
Charters. ! also took note of the
act that his dark, resolute face
never seemed to soften or change in
'eply to her unspoken entreaty.
Either he was wonderful cold
and Indifferent or else what was
more probable) a philosophical
enough man OF the world to know
that to win completely the evasive
aeart OF a thorough coquette (for let
ne inform you that a coquette has q
aeart, tender, passionate, loyal al
ways for the right one, 'heartless
lirt' being a misnomer)-a man must
lot capitulate too easily.
"However, as the bright days fit
led by there came a change in the lit
lie love drama. and l noticed that
Harold no longer avoided Queen
Belle, but rather We'd with his friend
N paying her the most chivalrous and
devoted homage that even her lnsati-
.ble coquetry could devise. The two
Did comrades and friends, however,
once 80 kind, even affectionate in
manner toward each other, now were
rapidly drifting toward enmity. De-
'inte ried to conceal the passionate
jealousy that estranged him from Har-
Did, but his gayety was forced. his
80 - u -